ASIS launches standards initiative

ASIS International announced Monday that it plans to develop two American National Standards that will support the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers.

According to a statement issued by organization, the standards, called "Management System for Quality of Private Security Company Operations - Requirements with Guidance" and "Conformity Assessment and Auditing Management Systems for Quality of Private Security Company Operations," will provide private security companies with criteria for creating a management system that will "assure quality of services and demonstrate accountability to the Code of Conduct."

The Management System for Quality of Private Security Company Operations - Requirements with Guidance (ASIS PSC.01) standard will help assure private security companies' conformity with legal obligations and best practices. The Conformity Assessment and Auditing Management Systems for Quality of Private Security Company Operations standard (ASIS PSC.02) provides requirements for organizations that offer auditing and third-party certification of private security companies.

"This global initiative will bring together clients, service providers, non-governmental and rights groups from the public and private sector to codify benchmarks for best practices consistent with the goal of simultaneously promoting stability and respect for human and civil rights." said Dr. Marc Siegel, commissioner, ASIS International Global Standards Initiative. "The standards will serve as the basis for assuring accountability and improvement of performance."